Phivos (songwriter)
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| Phoebus - Phivos - Φοίβος | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Evaggelos - Phivos Tassopoulos | |
| Born | January 1, 1971 |
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| Origin |  Greece |
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| Genre(s) | Modern Laika , Pop, Dance, Rock | |
| Years active | 1993 - Present | |
| Label(s) | Sony Music (1993 - 1996), Minos EMI (1997 - 2000), Heaven Music (2001-Present) | |
Contents |
Biography
Phivos or Phoebus (Greek: Φοίβος) (b. 1 January 1971) is a well known songwriter both in Greece and Cyprus. He was born in Greece named as: Evaggelos - Phivos Tassopoulos. His parents' names are Giorgos and Afroditi. Although his name is mostly recognised through Despina Vandi, he has and is composing albums for current and future stars in Greece. Every album's success is almost guaranteed, since a high percentage of the albums are Gold, Platinum or Multiple Platinum, in most cases from the first day of its release.
Phivos is the most successful greek composer in our days and was born in the first day of 1971 in Athens. As a student, he started playing music with his rock band, as a drummer. Although he passed his final exams and became a law student, he eventually quit to follow his composing dream. He began to write his first songs, and while he was studying music and harmony next to his teacher Themis Roussos, Phivos started writing his first lyrics. In age 22, he signed his first contract with Sony Music.
In the 90's Phivos collaborated with a lot famous greek singers, who trusted his talent: Keti Garbi, Angela Dimitriou, Pwlina, Eleni Dimou, Pashalis Terzis, Basilis Karras, Giannis Parios, Lefteris Pantazis, Manto, Thanos Kalliris and Konstantina are only some of the artists that helped Phivos in the beginning of his career. The songs that he wrote for their voices are among their most successful ones ever.
In the beginning of the second decade of his carrer, Phivos has achieved an incredible success: With 14 gold, 17 platinum, 9 2X platinum, 2 4X platinum and 1 6X platinum records (i.e. 2.800.000 records totally), he is the most successful songwriter for the greek music history.
Phivos has the talent to inspire new music ideas and to suggest new music stars, while the greatest greek singers trust his knowledge, instinct and talent in order their records to take the first place in the greek charts.
Apart from composing music and writing lyrics, Phivos is an arranger, programmer and produced of all the records he produces. His perfect productions often become an example for everyone in his field, and he has signed contracts with the most successful record companies. His first collaboration was with Sony Music and later on he continued with Minos EMI and Heaven Music.
In summer 2001, his career was worldwide recognised, when he was nominated with the award for the best-selling EP in Greece. The award was for the EP "Ypofero" of Despina Vandi and was given by the owner of Virgin Records, Richard Branson.
In 2002, having recognised his immaculate talent, the famous producer Desmond Child collaborated with Phivos for the preperation of the first international step of the greek superstar Sakis Rouvas. The record was released by Universal Music France.
In 6 of March 2002, Phivos and Despina Vandi were nominated with one of the most important awards of the interanational discography, the World Music Awards, getting the award: "World's Best selling Greek Artist 2001" for their album Gia.
In 2003, the song "Gia", having already been a huge success in Greece, became a No1 hit in USA and UK, according the official charts of Billboard and Music Week and was included in almost every DJ and club playlist. The song has been released as a cd-single in Europe, USA, Australia, Turkey and South Africa and has been also included in more than 120 compilations worldwide.
In spring 2004, the Coca Cola company began a collaboration with Phivos, for the company's Athens 2004 Olympic Games campaign worldwide. The music of Phivos became an inspiration source for the greatest celebration of the greek spirit and sports.
In summer 2005, the collaboration of Phivos and Coca Cola company continued with the song "Teleia" of Victoria Halkiti, which also became a huge success in Greece.
In the last years, Phivos has written songs for Despina Vandi, Giorgos Mazonakis and Elli Kokkinou. Also, he has supported new talents that came out from Fame Story (greek Star Academy), such as Thanos Petrelis and Maro Lytra.
Discography
Phivos has collaborated with the following artists:
Keti Garbi in the albums:
- Os Ton Paradeiso (Sony Music - 1993)*
- Atofio Hrysafi (Sony Music - 1994)*
- Arhizo Polemo (Sony Music - 1996)
- Evaisthiseis (Sony Music - 1997)
- To Kati (Sony Music - 2000) - Double best of album, including 7 new songs and a new medley remix of two older ones
Vicky Haritou in the album:
- Styl (BMG Ariola - 1993)
Lefteris Pantazis in the album:
- Ego Den Eimai Ego (Sony Music - 1993)*
Dimitris Kokotas in the albums:
- Diadoseis (Eros Music - 1994)
- Syneidisi (Eros Music - 1995)
- Aharistia (Eros Music - 1997)
Efi Sarri in the album:
- Petao (Minos EMI - 1994)
Eleni Dimou in the album:
- I Eleni Ton Feggarion (Sony Music - 1994)*
Pwlina in the albums:
- Kainourios Erotas (Sony Music - 1994)*
- Deka Xronia Meta (Sony Music - 1995)*
Thanos Kalliris in the albums:
- Kapoio Kalokairi (Sony Music - 1994)*
- Monaxa Tin Psyhi Sou (Sony Music - 1996)*
Pashalis Terzis in the albums:
- Mesogeios (Sony Music - 1994)*
- Afise Me Mono (Sony Music - 1995)*
- Afta Einai Ta Tragoudia Mou (Sony Music - 1996)*
- Ta Zeimbekika Tou Pashali (Sony Music - 2001)* - Best of album including the previously unreleased song "An Den Me Thes" written by Phivos
Dionysis Shoinas in the albums:
- Proti Agapi (Sony Music - 1994)*
- S'Agapo (Sony Music - 1995)*
- Mou Tairiazeis (Sony Music - 2000) - EP
Angela Dimitriou in the albums:
- Pes Afto Pou Theleis (Sony Music - 1994)*
- Mi Mas Agapas (Minos EMI - 1996)*
- 100% (Minos EMI - 1998)
Hristina Maragozi in the album:
- Aggalia Gemati Agathia (Sony Music - 1996)*
Konstantina in the album:
- Erhomai (Minos EMI - 1996)*
Antonis Remos in the album:
- Antonis Remos (Sony Music - 1996)*
Vasilis Karras in the albums:
- Tilefonise Mou (Minos EMI - 1996)
- Fainomeno (Minos EMI - 1998) - cd single
- Epistrefo (Minos EMI - 1999)
- The Greek Experience (Heaven Music - 2004)* - Compilation album with the new duet "Mia Gynaika Ftaiei" with Tolis Voskopoulos
Stella Konitopoulou in the album:
- Diavatirio (Sony Music - 1997)*
Manto in the album:
- Gia Oles Tis Fores (Sony Music - 1997)*
Natasa Theodoridou in the album:
- Natasa Theodoridou (Sony Music - 1997)*
Giannis Parios in the album:
- Typseis (Minos EMI - 1997)
Despina Vandi in the albums:
- Deka Entoles (Minos EMI - 1997)*
- Spania (Minos EMI - 1998) - cd single
- Profities (Minos EMI - 1999)
- Ypofero (Minos EMI - 2000) - EP
- Gia (Heaven Music - 2001)
- Ante Gia (Heaven Music - 2002) - EP
- Gia Collector's Edition (Heaven Music - 2002) - Includes the album "Geia", the EP "Ante Geia" and some other remixes
- Gia (Heaven Music/Ministry of Sound - 2003) - cd single
- Gia US Edition (Heaven Music/Escondida Music - 2003)
- Live (Heaven Music - 2003)
- Come Along Now (Heaven Music - Version 1 - 2004) - cd single ft. the theme of Coca Cola 2004 campaign
- Come Along Now (Heaven Music - Version 2 - 2004) - cd single ft. the theme of Coca Cola 2004 campaign
- Opa Opa (Heaven Music/Ministry of Sound - 2004)** - cd single
- Come Along Now (Heaven Music/Ministry of Sound - 2004) - Album not officially released in Greece
- Stin Avli Tou Paradeisou (Heaven Music - 2004)
- Special Edition (Heaven Music - 2005) - Repackaged Edition of the album "Stin Avli Tou Paradeisou"
- Kalanta (Heaven Music - 2006) - EP
Aggelos Dionysiou in the album:
- Yposyneidito (Minos EMI - 1999)*
Giorgos Lempesis in the albums:
- Eksartisi (Minos EMI - 1999)
- I Agapi Vlaptei Sovara Tin Ygeia (Heaven Music - 2001)
- Eliksirio (Heaven Music - 2002)* - cd single
- I Mera I Kali (Heaven Music - 2003)*
Giorgos Mazonakis in the albums:
- Koita Me + Beat (Heaven Music - 2002)* - Repackaged edition of the album "Koita Me", featuring two new songs by Phivos and some new remixes
- Savvato (Heaven Music - 2003)
- Savvato + To Gucci Ton Masai (Heaven Music - 2004)
- Summer In Greece! (Heaven Music - 2006) - cd single
- TBA (Heaven Music - Spring 2007 - upcoming)
Sakis Rouvas in the albums:
- Disco Girl (Minos EMI - 2001) - cd single
- Ola Kala (Minos EMI - 2002)*
- Ola Kala European Release (Minos EMI/Universal Music France - 2002)*
The above three albums were produced in collaboration with the famous producer Desmond Child
Tolis Voskopoulos in the album:
- I Sosti Apantisi (Heaven Music - 2002)
- The Greek Experience (Heaven Music - 2004)* - Compilation album with the new duet "Mia Gynaika Ftaiei" with Vasilis Karras
Elli Kokkinou in the albums:
- Sto Kokkino (Heaven Music - 2003)
- Platinum Edition (Heaven Music - 2004) - Repackaged Edition of the album "Sto Kokkino"
- Sex (Heaven Music - 2005)
- Ki Allo... (Heaven Music - 2006) - Repackaged Edition of the album "Sex"
Thanos Petrelis in the albums:
- Eixe To Xroma T' Ouranou (Heaven Music - 2004)*
- Thymizeis Kati Apo Ellada (Heaven Music - 2005)
- Eutyhos (Heaven Music - 2006) - EP
Victoria Halkiti in the albums:
- Teleia (Heaven Music - 2005) - cd single ft. the theme of Coca Cola 2005 campaign
- Teleia f***ing edition (Heaven Music - 2006) - cd single - Repackaged Edition of the cd single "Teleia"
Maro Lytra in the album:
- Mihani Tou Hronou (Heaven Music - 2007)*
Other
- In 1994, a compilation of songs written by Phivos (music) and Eleni Giannatsoulia (lyrics) was released by Sony Music. The title of the record was "Gia Sena Kai Gia Mena" and featured songs by a lot of greek singers: Sofia Arvaniti, Keti Garbi, Thanos Kalliris, Dionysis Sxoinas, Pashalis Terzis, Pwlina, Natassa Pantelidi, Ntinos Vrettos, Petros Kolettis and Lorna.
- In 1997, the single "Love Will Make A Difference" was released by Sony Music. The song featured Ronny Money.
- In 1999, a different version of the song "Margarites" (originally performed by Angela Dimitriou) was released by Sony Music. The song was called "Makapy" and was performed by Santiago. In the same year, a compilation of some songs performed by Angela Dimitriou were released in arabic countries, due to the huge success of the song "Margarites". The album included songs composed by Phivos] and Giorgos Theofanous, another famous composer from Cyprus.
- In 2005, Phivos composed the anthem of the greek soccer team AEK. The song was called "Mia Agapi Exw Stin Kardia" and was performed by Giorgos Florakis. Released by Heaven Music.
Notes:
(*) Phivos composed only some tracks and not the whole album.
(**) The song Opa Opa was composed by Giorgos Alkaios and not by Phivos. This song was originally performed by a very famous greek singer, Notis Sfakianakis in 1992. In 1999, a second, more beat version of Opa Opa was performed by the group Antique, which gave a rebirth to the song. The Despina Vandi version is the final one and features english lyrics for the first time. Although Phivos is not the composer of the song, he was involved in the arrangements and the whole production. Opa Opa became a huge international hit.
Current Projects
Currently, Phivos is preparing the upcoming album of Giorgos Mazonakis. The album was expected to be released in 2006, but it was postponed to 2007.
International Awards
- In 2001, Phivos and Despina Vandi were awarded from the owner of Virgin Records, Richard Branson for the X5 platinum nomination of the EP "Ypoferw". This is one of the most important awards in greek discography.
- In 2002, the album "Gia" of Phivos and Despina Vandi was nominated in the World Music Awards as the best-selling album in Greece.
Trivia
- In all records that Phivos is involved in, he is referred only by his first name. The only records that his surname is being written in the album's credits are "Styl" (Vicky Haritou), "Diadoseis" (Dimitris Kokotas), and "Ego den eimai ego" (Lefteris Pantazis).
- The first complete album that Phivos composed is "Styl" (Vicky Haritou).
- The first album in which Phivos appears as the producer is "Syneidisi" (Dimitris Kokotas).
- Apart from the above artists (see Discography section), Phivos has collaborated also with some other ones, who appeared in duets. These are: Giorgos Alkaios (duet with Vicky Haritou in the album "Styl" (1993)), Antonis Vardis (duet with Keti Garbi in the album "Evaisthiseis" (1997), Nino (duet with Elli Kokkinou in the album "Sto Kokkino" (2003), Bo (rap appearance in the cd-single "Come Along Now" of Despina Vandi) and Giorgos Tsalikis (duet with Elli Kokkinou in the album "Sto Kokkino Platinum Edition" (2004).
- Phivos rejects almost all the interviews that he is offered to take. In the past, though, he has accepted an interview for the greek magazine "Eikones" of the Ethnos newspaper, together with Despina Vandi (2002). In the same year, Phivos and Despina Vandi accepted a common interview for the Panorama FM - 98.4 FM radio station of Thessaloniki, Greece. Another TV interview in which Phivos appeared is for Discovery Channel (2005), where he talked about his collaboration with Despina Vandi.
- Lyrics for the songs composed by Phivos have been written by (apart from himself): Eleni Giannatsoulia, Eui Droutsa, Natalia Germanou, Giannis Parios, Giannis Rentoumis, Giannis Doksas, Manos Eleutheriou, Hro Trigoni, Vaggelis Konstantinidis, Victoria Halkiti, Haris and Markella Panagiotou.
- Artists who collaborated with Phivos in their debut albums are: Vicky Haritou, Dimitris Kokotas, Dionysis Shoinas, Antonis Remos, Natasa Theodoridou, Giorgos Lempesis and Thanos Petrelis.
- In 1999, Phivos got married to Amalia Kantere.
- In 2004, Phivos was a torch bearer of the Athens 2004 Olympic Flame in the greek island of Kefalonia.
